Tuesday, July 28, 2009

First Week, CHILE

On Sunday, we left Santiago to finally meet our families in Viña del Mar and Valparaìso. Valparaìso reminds me of the city of San Francisco, with the hills and overall setup. And then we have the Pacific coast that greets my eyes every morning. Quite a beaut. I have always loved the sea, like Pablo Neruda (but do I really want to compare myself to him? jeje) Then, finally Sunday night, I met my family. They are all very sweet. The accomodations are VERY small but highly do-able. The mom is super patient, the little girl is a chatter-box, and the son is soccer fanatic. I was a little scared upon arriving about the Chilean accent, but it really isn´t much different than a fuse of a Spain and Argentine dialect.

On Monday we started our orientation week here at the university. Choosing classes is chaotic. But they give us a month to class hop and figure it all out. Sweeeeet. Right now, I am trying to decide about taking classes: 3 with foreigners, 1 with Chileans, and then get involved in other ways -- such as the language exchange with Chileans (practicing our foreign languages) or sports or numerous volunteer opportunities. With the way the program is set up, there are a variety of ways to splash in with the Chilean community. Me gusta asì.

I am sorry if this is more information than comical. I am a wee bit tired from the large group traveling, the climate change, and just transitioning to the meal schedule. By the way, the food is still good. :)

5 comments:

Oh, I am so happy for the update. I had fully expected the mom to be patient - she is sandwiched between two generations, taking care of all of them (and now, you). I am sure your presence will be a pleasant diversion for her, though. By the way, how do you like the campus at the university?

Yes, I like the campus very much. I still have to get a hang of their "code" here, but it is beautiful. Palm trees line the streets outside. The faculty appears super nice with shinning smiles. And there are little vendors outside lining the curbs. Me gusta mucho.

Hii~ It's the crazy chick Alysha from the Toronto flight! I'm so glad you eventually got to Chile. I felt so bad when I saw you trudging along with your massive truckload of bags. It sounds like you're getting along well though! Good food is always good ;)

I can't wait to hear (coughstalkcough) more about your crazy Chilean adventure!

Alysha! Oh my, it's so lovely to hear from you. I was waiting for you to stalk... I mean find me. Will you kindly add me on facebook? I'm under "Kerrie Isabel" (SEMO network). Sooo good to hear from you, Miss Toronto friend.